Coalition, Iraq air strikes target Islamic State in Tikrit: statement

Reuters

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - A U.S.-led coalition joined Iraqi forces in staging 17 air strikes against Islamic State targets in Tikrit, the U.S. military said in a statement on Thursday. The statement comes amid a coalition assault against Islamic State militants in Saddam Hussein's home city aimed at helping Iraqi forces fighting alongside Iran-backed Shi'ite militia on the ground. (Reporting by Washington Newsroom; Editing by Doina Chiacu)